Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By JohnB - July 30 - 12:53 am

  Fun to drive. Outstanding 4X4. Outstanding fuel mileage. 22 mpg town. 28 highway.

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  Jeep Commander is 2nd to none. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By heartrok - July 29 - 8:40 am

  We purchased a Limited model with every option. Kids love the Sirius backseat TV. MyGIG Nav with VES is simply fabulous. QuadraDrive II makes driving in 10 inches of snow a breeze. Build quality is top notch and overall this Jeep feels solid. Backup camera is very useful in this vehicle as rear visibility is compromised with 3rd row seat up. Too many useful options to name...UConnect bluetooth, Smartbeam headlights, hill ascent and descent assist, ESP, traction control, rear sky windows, etc. If you are looking for a great SUV with tons of options for a fair price and not sacrifice quality...I strongly recommend the Jeep Commander.

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  Rubicon Unlimited Owner - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jefferson1964 - July 29 - 2:56 am

  So far so good with the Unlimited Rubicon. The ride is nice with the longer wheel base. This has also allowed me to put items in the back I would not have been able to in a standard Wrangler. The extra insulation in the Unlimited has really improved the interior cabin road noise. Minor wind/road noise from the soft top is all and still allows easy conversations.

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  First SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By geep - July 28 - 11:10 pm

  Used to performance sedans. The 4x4 is a seductive temptress. Relaxed, calm as I drive it. Interior comfort is good, finish is good. The vehicle is well built, and what I want.

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  Decent for the money. - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kentman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Reliability has been an issue. Transmission failed at 43K ($2200). Fuel pump failed ($600). Many leaks (trans., axles, oil, etc.). Exhaust header broke ($400). Many check engine lights for sensors (four for pressure sensor and one for oxygen sensor). At 165K miles, it is still driving strong and looks good. I am shooting for 250K miles. If you can stomach repairs, it is a decent vehicle for the money. Build quality is good, and styling is the best. At 165K, it still looks and runs as well as it did when I got it at 34K for $19.5K. If it runs to 250K without any further large component failures, I will buy another one.

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  Excellent Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kbohip72 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive now got over 21k miles on my Overland since I bought it new. In that time its been trouble free except for the hvac motor. It stopped working so the dealer replaced a resistor and since then its been fine. I LOVE the interior and the excellent HO motor. I owned two 5.9 Grands before this one and I can say that the acceleration between the two is identical. The 4.7 gets much better gas mileage though and also has the option of running on regular gas without the need for a computer flash. After over a year of driving and 21k miles I fully recommend the Overland!

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  Love everything but the glove compartmen - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Victoria2313 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. It handles well in every situation. Its very roomy inside and you can fit more than you think in the back. It goes through some gas but I am a high mileage kind of person. The only flaw is the stupid glove compartment. I cant even fit my insurance paperwork and my registration in it. It was designed to fit a pair of gloves and thats it! It does great for intown - off road and everything in between.

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  Not even a 4X4 er. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gerald Heath - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Having purchased my Jeep in Feb I have not been able to drive it as much as I would have liked to. Great styling, solid ride, sound system good with upgraded speakers. Interior could be a little nicer but okay for my needs. In-town gas mileage about 19. Have not taken it on the road yet. Moon roof helps to cool vehicle but has some road noise. Vent position is good on hot sunny days to help keep interior bareable. (AZ) All in all with cash rebates and 0% financing I couldnt go wrong. Nice vehicle.

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  Hate the seat belt sound - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jack Tawil - July 28 - 1:10 am

  Got the car in September of 06, i love it has great power on the 4.7 eat a boat load of gas if your doing a lot of city driving. the tire light went on for no reason, hate it when the dash board looks like a Christmas tree. the dealer ship blamed it on the weather. the seat belt alarm could stress you out big time make you want to brake something its very very annoying. and it wont stop until you buckle up. but for highway driving after like 2 min it shuts up. over all the jeep is a monster and a lot of fun to drive. get a pair of shades and cruise its a lot of fun

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  Never Again Will We Make This Mistake! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By turner rock - July 27 - 8:10 pm

  Run for you life! This is the worst SUV on the market! Problems from literaly day one. Black smoke poured out the back after owning for one day. Company would not diagnose correctly until warenty had expired! Thank you Chrysler! The brakes ate up our entire savings, the transmission was my right kidney, and not to mention the new engine we had to put in it. The front door does not lock, the windows leak, the hood does not stay up by its self. Please what ever you do DO NOT buy a 1999 Jeep! It is by far the worst decision my husband and I have ever made! We tell everyone we know how much we have "loved" our Jeep. If you own a Jeep you understand the nightmare.